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Acupuncture
Practitioners
Colin Rogers
Jamie Gisby
David Smyth
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Traditional acupuncture is based on the principle that our
health depends on the balanced functioning of the body's energy known as '
Qi '. When we are in perfect health all the energy flows harmoniously
throughout our body. When an illness arises this energy becomes disturbed
and can manifest in a diverse array of symptoms. Acupuncture uses very fine
needles to correct the flow of energy and when this is achieved systems are
resolved.
What is
acupuncture ?
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practiced
in China
and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often
described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people
with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well
being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific
symptoms.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is
dependent on the body's motivating energy - known as Qi - moving in a
smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin. Qi
consists of equal and opposite qualities -Yin and Yang - and when these
become unbalanced, illness may result. By inserting fine needles into the
channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing
response and help restore its natural balance. The flow of Qi can be
disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as
anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions,
hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.
The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole
person is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and
spiritual aspects of the individual.
Who has
acupuncture ?
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific
symptoms or conditions. These might include anxiety states, arthritis,
asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression . Facial paralysis,
fibrositis , high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains,
infertility menstrual problems, migraines, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions
or ulcers.
Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has proved to
be effective in pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in
childbirth. Acupuncture is also helpful for people trying to overcome
addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs.
Some people may have acupuncture as a preventive measure to
strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves
without being 'ill' in the Western sense. It can also be used alongside
conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease.
As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary from one person
to another.
What does it feel
like ?
Most people's experience of needles is of those used in
injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to
these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow When the needle
is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.
Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in
place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required. During
treatment, patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs or a
pleasant feeling of relaxation.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than
just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also
lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an
enhanced sense of overall well being.
What will happen
on my first visit ?
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent
sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess our general state of health, in
order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the
most effective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms and what
treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your
close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional
state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body the
acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their
quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your
tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health.
Once enough information has been gathered to determine the
likely causes of your problems, the acupuncturist can select the most appropriate
treatment. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for
your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost
your overall energy and vitality.
There are around 500 recognised acupuncture points on the
body of which about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific
areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body.
However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the
problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from
headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.
The acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with
moxa , a smouldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points to
encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly. Other methods of stimulating
acupuncture points include using lasers or electro-acupuncture. Massage or
tapping with a rounded probe are techniques particularly suitable for small
children or for people with a fear of needles.
How often will I
need treatment ?
In traditional acupuncture philosophy each person is
considered as unique, and therefore the number of treatments required
depends on the individual. Some change is usually felt after five
treatments. Normally you are recommended to visit your acupuncturist once
or twice a week at first, although some conditions may need less frequent
attention. Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic, and only
one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the effects are
more subtle and they may need treatment over several months.
Should my doctor
know ?
If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it
makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. The
acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some
forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any
change of prescription. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any
medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the
acupuncture treatment.
Is it safe ?
All members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) must
observe a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene
and sterilisation for needles and other equipment. These procedures have
been approved by the Department of Health and provide protection against
the transmission of infectious diseases. Patients who have been treated by
a BAcC member are eligible to donate blood through the National Blood
Service.
How can find a
qualified acupuncturist ?
Members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) have
completed a thorough training of at least three years in traditional
acupuncture and western medical sciences appropriate to the practice of
acupuncture. They carry the letters MBAcC after their name, the BAcC
maintains common standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice to
ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. Members are
covered by Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance.
The British Acupuncture Council was formed in 1995 by the
amalgamation of five separate organisations whose membership agreed that a
single body should represent and govern its professionally qualified
acupuncturists.
The BAcC currently has more than 1,800 members whose
details are published in an annual Register of Practitioner Members. A copy
of the full Register can be obtained by sending a cheque for 0 to the
address below Alternatively a list of practitioners in your local area can
be requested free of charge
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Acupuncture
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Duration
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Adults
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Children
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First Appointment
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45 - 60mins
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£55.00
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£45.00
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*£34.00
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Follow - ups
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45 - 60mins
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£37.00
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£33.00
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*£20.00
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Prices correct at time of
publishing May 2006 * Children under 12 years old ** babies
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Availability
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Traditional Chinese
Acupuncture
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Telephone/Facsimile: 01452 505550
Email gntchealth@amserve.com
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Bookings, and changes to appointments must be made via telephone **
The British
Acupuncture Council, Park House, 206-208
Latimer Road, London, W10 6RE.
Acupuncture Gloucestershire Clinic - Gloucestershire
Acupuncture Clinic
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